November/December 2018

COVER STORY

ABL Lenders Face Challenges, But Expect Strong Economy to Keep Them Afloat-Every year, ABL lenders face new challenges. Last year, people were nervous about the impact of prospective tax cuts. This year, the effect of tariffs has both borrowers and lenders shaking their heads. ABL lenders are facing increasing competition as 2019 prepares to roll in. Lisa Miller catches up with five top ABL executives who look back at 2018 and anticipate a strong year ahead.By Lisa Miller

FEATURES

Where Are We in the Credit Cycle? Is It Time to Tap the Brakes?-The U.S. economy is booming and while commercial banks are still restrained by regulations, nonbank lenders are in high gear. Hugh Larratt-Smith takes an in-depth look at the current economic situation as 2019 looms ahead and says it may be time for lenders to slow down.By Hugh C. Larratt-Smith

Community Banks: Darkhorse Competitors to Super-Regional and National Banks-A virus of acquisitions has enabled national and super-regional banks to bulk up over the last decade. Their smaller cousins — community banks — are often dismissed as warehouses for customer deposits and little more. Charlie Perer points out that when community banks acquire some some specialty lending platforms and pair them with deep hometown relationships, they can rival the big boys.By Charlie Perer

TURNAROUND CORNER

U.S. Army Ranger Training for The Corporate Crisis Battle Zone-The Ranger Handbook provides a clear strategy for U.S. Rangers to follow when called into a crisis situation. Retired U.S. Army Major John Little now engages in a different type of crisis as a turnaround management specialist. But he still uses the Ranger Handbook to devise a successful strategy and points out that these methods are just as pertinent to the civilian business world as they are in the military.By John Little

SPECIALTY LENDING

Are You Ready to Start Factoring Construction Receivables?-The construction industry is in growth mode, which can offer great opportunities for factors. However, a certain amount of technical knowledge is required to successful navigate these projects. Bruce Loren explains how careful due diligence can help factors take advantage of this lucrative market.By Bruce Loren

LEGAL LINES

Why Are MCAs Doing So Well in the Courts?-Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs) are a divisive issue in the lending community, with good reason. Jeffrey Wurst examines the pitfalls that can undermine an ABL lender and observes that many judges make rulings regarding MCAs without fully understanding the nuances of the issues.By Jefferey A. Wurst

FINAL CUT

Petro to Lead Waterfall Specialty Commercial Finance Group-Illustrator Jerry Gonzalez shares his take on the return of Andrea Petro to the industry as leader of Waterfall Asset Management’s Specialty Commercial Finance Group after her retirement from Wells Fargo Lender Finance.By Jerry Gonzalez

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